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MEMOIRS 



OF 



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LATE OF 



WINCHESTER, CONK 



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HARTFORD : 
Priatecl by JohB Ruisell, for the PafeHiteN 
1829, 






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DfXRODUCTIOHf 

The design of this short memoir is to preserve e 
(aw of the writings of Mrs. Abigail Goodrich, daugh- 
ter of Grinnell and Abigail Spencer, of Winchester. 
Connecticut. The subject of these remarks was 
born March 24, 1801 ; her parents gave her a good 
common school education, and taught her in early 
life to reverence and obey them, observe the ho 
ly Sabbath, and keep the commandments of God, 
which she strictly adhered to, as a dutiful daughter 
and affectionate and tender companion and consis 
tent christian, until the day of her death. She also 
received the benefit of the united prayers of her pa« 
rents, especially her dear mother, who was called 
away by death, to leave her affectionate companion 
and six daughters, Jo mourn the loss of a fond moth- 
er. After she committed her dear companion and 
children to the care and keeping of a holy God, and 
resigning her beloved children to the care and charge 
of their affectionate father, she then joyfully and 
calmly sunk into the arms of death, with glory in her 
view. The youngest of her six daughters, in a few 
weeks, followed her to the grave, and her spirit to the 
abodes of immortal bliss, being about two and a half 
years old ; five daughters were still left to make their 
way across the sea of life, bereft of their fond mother. 
Here let me add, the prayers of their departed moth- 
er were answered in the conversion of her second 
daughter, about six months after her death, her old- 
est having experienced religion about three years 
previous. About two years and a half from this 
time, the gladsome news of salvation reached the 
hearts of her third and fourth daughters. Abigail 
was one of the two, being about thirteen years of 




age, Here we see the benefit of praying -parents., 
although they may have long been mouldering in their 
native dust ; yet their prayers are often answered 
and realized by their children and surviving relatives 
and friends ; yes, blessed be such children who can 
call to mind their dying advice and counsel, as a way 
mark to lead them forward in the divine life, and 
finally lead them safely through the meandering 
scenes of this mortal life, and at last home to God, 
O how important to train up children for Heaven* 
lor usefulness here, for happiness beyond the grave I 
O what a weighty responsibility rests upon parents ! 
Would to God they could or would feel the impor- 
tance of their charge, while f hey have them around 
them here ; but alas ! alas ! what awful neglect will 
eternity unfold to view, when summoned before the 
bar of God, when children will rise up in judgment 
against them. Parents, parents, it will then be too 
late ; alas ! you must then feel the force of your aw- 
ful neglect. I do not know how to leave the subject : 
it brings to my recollection the dying advice of my 
own dear mother to me. As a dying man, let me 
exhort you to bring up your children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord ; watch over them and. 
see that you do not grant them any indulgence that 
will tend to limit their usefulness here, or finally lead 
ihem to miss of heaven and eternal happiness at last. 
Her letterg, and many of her writings, I have been 
under the necessity of omitting, to save time and ex- 
pense; this work is designed principally for her rel- 
atives and friends; it is well known by all her ac- 
quaintance who knew her cares and employment. 
;hat she could not have had but very little time fot 
writing or studying. Thus we see she lost no time 
in making all necessary preparations for death and 
eternal judgment, which she was so soon to realize 
Winchester, March 24th, 1829. 



MEMOIRS, &C< 

Winchester, May 10, 1823, 
The interesting passage which declares, that "by 
grace are ye saved, which is the gift of God," I 
have heard this day enlarged upon by brother B. sta- 
ting that salvation implies a happy release from a 
state of suspense, difficulty, remorse ; inferring also 
that grace had rescued us from an opening gulf to a 
state of happiness aad joy. O, what mercy has ex- 
tended to mortal man while lying in a state of wretch- 
edness and ruin ? her bleeding arms are wide exten- 
ded to enclasp a mass of guilty mortals, to convey 
them to a fountain of living waters, where they may 
experience the renovating power of life and love di- 
vine. In class meeting we had a time of some im- 
provement ; there I had the privilege of manifest- 
ing my desires for holiness of heart. I here did 
tell my brothers and sisters in the Lord, it was my 
earnest prayer that by grace I might persevere until 
I gained a full redemption through the blood of Je* 
sus. There I said I viewed holiness to be an ines- 
timable treasure, and I bless the Lord he often in- 
spires my soul with an ardent desire to become the 
possessor of vital holiness. How sweet my medita- 
tions on the things of God ; often is my mind elated 
aloof from the things of earth, and again 1 view my 
evil heart with so many risings of unholy passions, I 
ask myself if I am not deceived ? If my constant 
peace and improved views are not imaginary ? The 
spirit of the Lord, I trust, enables me to say, no, my 
Father, it is the blessed spirit which co-operates with 
the better feelings of my §oul, and causes this joy in 
meditation, and delight in thy courts ; this willing- 
ness to suffer for Jesus ; it affords an interesting light 

1* 




upon thy word, with a mild confidence in Heaven, 
0, my Father, on thy will I cast my care. Save, O 
save me from my inbred foes, and from the fowler's 
snare. Abigail Spencer. 



Sabbath Evening, May 18. 
This afternoon have been again to a third meeting 
with the sons and daughters of Zion ; where brother 
Field proclaimed the gospel as God's plan of saving 
souls, stating its glorious success from the days of 
our Lord's ascension until the present time. With 
this my mind concurs, that this vain dress and show 
is of no avail ; the day will soon come when it will 
be realized. O, my God, thy goodness has been great 
unto me, and how shall I praise thee as I ought for 
all thy goodness to me as a dependant being ; for all 
the blessings I enjoy. A. S. 



Sabbath Morning, 
Another holy Sabbath morning has ushered in, on 
which I behold the rising glories of the sun beams re- 
flecting their gilded rays upon this vast hemisphere, 
renewing the face of nature by its warming influ- 
ence. Again I view the cheering rays of heavenly 
love operating upon a more interesting subject, the 
faculties of the human mind. Thus while the cheer- 
ing beams of the Son of Righteousness overshadows 
the kingdoms of men, it enervates my soul with an 
increasing sense of his continuing goodness, united 
with a kind of heavenly joy and transport, while we 
mingle with the busy multitude in this vale of tears* 

A. S. 



The Sea of Life. 
Thus days, weeks, months and years, in quick 
succession glide away, and like a whirlwind roll me 



down the tide of time. I want the oar of grace to 
guide my feeble bark along the raging billows of this 
tempestuous sea of life, and when I front the steep of 
death, then, O then, my Father, God, uphold me by 
thine Almighty hand till I with Jordan's waves shall 
meet and safely cross. Then let me firmly cast my 
anchor on the green turfed garden of the heavenly 
Jerusalem. 1 am but a worm of the dust, I sink to 
nothing, while my mind retraces the different spheres 
of the glories of the upper world. A. S. 



Thursday Evening, July 1 , 1 823. 
For three days past my mind has been much occu- 
pied in secular concerns, which would have been 
as well had my mind been employed far more in those 
things which would have been calling it to a 
spiritual improvement ; but this evening while my 
brothers and sisters are united in the social worship 
of Christ their Saviour, my mind has felt the influ- 
ence of the gentle flame of Jesus' love, which rais 
es my soul with praise and sweet rapturous joy. O 
how my soul delights to know and feel a Saviour's 
love ; but I want my heart enlarged to realize its 
beauty. O, my Father, into thy hands do I desire 
to commit my all ; protect me from the ensnare- 
ments of vice and vanity, and help me to live more 
watchful and prayerful, more devoted to thy service, 
and more exemplary than I ever have been, that my 
Saviour may be glorified in all my daily walk and 
conversation. A. S. 



Winchester, July 23, 1828. 

Another Sabbath day is about to close, and I 

have gained another Sabbath day's journey toward 

the heavenly Canaan of everlasting rest. O, with 

si filing gratitude I can pen down the feelings of my 



heart as favorable to the prosperity of Jesus, lover 
of my soul. This day I have heard the gospel ex- 
plained by brother M. from these words, "let m 
therefore lay. aside every wait, and the sin that doth 
so easily beset us, and let us run the race that is set 
before us." 

He clearly pointed out the many waits which be- 
set our way, such as slander, hatred, envy and re- 
venge ; of late I have thought much on these sub- 
jects. The information I received to-day strength- 
ened my opinion, and with brother M. did I agree. 
O, may the Lord help me to perform my duty, as one 
actuated by the spirit of grace ; I have felt an in- 
creasing union with my brothers and sisters of late, 
and I pray the Lord to bless their souls abundantly. 
O, my Father, thou seest my besetments, which are 
many ; I feel the necessity of maintaining a fixed 
resolution to perform every known duty, bearing my 
cross, reproving in the spirit of meekness, bearing 
reproaches with mildness and compassion, always 
striving to watch and pray, lest I enter into tempta- 
tion. O that I may be preserved from sin, that I may 
grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord and 
Saviour, from day to day, that I may be able to urge 
my way through difficulties and dangers till life shall 
close, and find an eternal rest from sin and sorrow, 
from toil and pain. O glorious rest, I long to gain 
it, but I wait the will of my God until he shall call 
me home. O then may I be prepared to leap with 
joy into the bright world of glory, where angels 
dwell, and where my loving Jesus reigns ; in view 
of that rest, how small the world appears ; of how 
little consequence it is how much we suffer here be- 
low. O for more humility in prosperity, and pa- 
tience in adversity ; O for a single eye to the honor 
and glory of God, that I may daily live in the enjoy- 



inent of religion, and communion, and fellowship o\ 
Jesus, who is my only strength. 

Lord how secure and bless'd are they 
Who feel the joys of pardon'd sin ; 
Should stor ns of wrath shake earth and sea. 
Their minds have heaven and peace within. 

The day glides sweetly o'er their heads, 
Made up of innocence and love, 
And soft and silent as the shades 
Their nightly minutes gently move. 

Quick as their thoughts their joys come on. 
But fly not half so quick away, 
Their souls are ever bright as noon 
And calm as summer evenings are. 

Flow oft they look to th' heavenly hills, 
Where groves of living pleasures grow, 
And longing hopes and cheerful smiles. 
Sit undisturb'd upon their brow. 

They scorn to seek our golden toys, 
But spend the day and share the night, 
In numbering o'er the richer joys 
That heaven prepares for their delight. 

Abigail Spencer, 



August 31. 
I again behold the blest morn on which the Lord 
arose, and brought salvation to fallen man ; the 
thought awakes in me a stronger desire for holiness. 
with an increasing sense of the goodness and mercy 
of God. My mind traces his vast dominions with 
supreme delight, and on every surrounding object 1 
view the peculiar blessing of heaven. O what a 
field of pleasure for the soul who delights in celes- 
tial joys, whose desires are centered in hearer, and 



10 



whose affections are placed there. Alas, I am too 
prone to wander from the good and right way, yet a 
ray of celestial love often elates my mind and raises 
it from the minor joys of earth, and causes my soul 
to expand with praise to my Redeemer. A. S. 



September 10, 1823. 

O what hath Jesus bought for me 

Before my ravish'd eyes. 
Blessings of his love he holds out for un worth* 
me ; I want that faith which works by love, and puri- 
fies the heart ; which claims the precious promises of 
God. Blessings, that I may experience the fullness 
of a Saviour's love. I mourn when I attempt to 
feed on vanity and husks ; I want to feed on that hid- 
den manna with full satisfaction. O Saviour, bles^ 
me, and fill my soul wuh the fullness of thy love, 

That only bliss for which it pants 

In the Redeemer's breast. A. S. 

February 1 1 . 
Day after day flies away, and I am yet spared in 
health while many others are laid low in the silent 
tomb. Why is so vile a worm as I am so highly fa- 
vored, while my dear fellow creatures are placed on 
beds of languishing, racked with severe pains and 
perishing disease. O, it is but the wisdom of that 
God who does all things well ; his astonishing grace, 
his unbounded goodness is vast and unseen ; we cat . 
only hope and wonder at the events of providence. 
May I, Lord, be ever found submissive, though afflic- 
tions press me sore. A. S. 

September 21 . 
The hope of the righteous is glorious, but the ex- 



II 

pectations of the wicked perisheth. This is a truth, 
and will stand while ages on ages roll away ; yea, to 
all eternity ; and why will we not believe the words 
which proceed out of the mouth of the Lord ? Why 
do we not believe, and tremble, while we are ex- 
posed to be crushed by his mighty nod ? O, the hard- 
ness of the heart, the blindness of the mind veils the 
understanding, and drives the guilty culprit to rest 
in the dungeon of procrastination, till many are 
seized by the huge monster, and are swallowed up 
in shame, confusion, and everlasting misery and tor- 
ment, where they must feel the gnawing of that worm 
that never dies, and that flame that is never quench- 
ed. A. S. 



Winchester, Jan. 15,1825. 
In all the various changes in human life I am yet 
spared secure ; one year since, the Lord's hand was 
laid heavily upon me, but the Lord alone giveth sup- 
port. With much gratitude I hope ever to remem- 
ber his loving kindness to me, who supported me in 
affliction and distress,- and even when this world 
seemed confused, eternity opened to my view, with 
all its realities ; and shall I ever forget to praise the 
Lord for the joy and comfort I received, when ex- 
pecting soon to launch into eternity ? Nay, I hope- 
to praise him till I gasp my latest breath, and in a 
long eternity sound the praise of my Redeemer.— 
With solemn interest can I retrace divine goodness 
through the days of the past year ; from a bed of 
sickness I have been gloriously restored to sound 
health, and never before have I enjoyed the comforts 
of life so much sweetened with the immediate benif- 
icence of my heavenly Father ; daily feeling a steady 
confidence in God, ready to give a reason of the hope 
that is within me, joyfully anticipating immortal hap 



12 

piness beyond the grave ; often does the idea give 
my soul a spring for heaven, and shall I while in ex- 
pectation of that glorious rest, shudder at the cross, 
or forbear to dispise the shame ? O, shall I be indif- 
ferent in such a cause as this, while my eternal hap- 
piness depends on my faithfulness ? O, for gratitude 
to constantly diffuse her benignant rays over every 
faculty and power of my soul, and be moved by grace 
to act as in the fear of the holy God. 

Abigail Spencer. 



May 7, 1825. 
The Lord has been merciful to me for many 
months past, while I have been much involved with 
the world, and suffered my mind to be much excited 
by its vanities ; He has been mindful of me, though 
I have deserved his displeasure ; He has ever shown 
himself merciful to me ; His goodness will, I trust, 
ever inspire me whh confidence to trust in his mer- 
cy, in all the various and changing scenes of this mor- 
tal life. A. S 



Winchester, June 4th, 1825 
During the time which has elapsed since 1 wrote ? 
my anxieties have been numerous, and what shall 
I now say ? I must say, to the grief of my soul, that 
for the indulgence of vanity I have resisted the sweet 
strivings of the spirit of grace, and thereby robbed 
myself of many blessings. Indeed, the christian life 
is a constant warfare, for I need to be watchful, lest 
the enemy of my soul should flatter me from the right 
path. Though I have fightings without, and fears 
within, yet the Lord is always the same to deliver 
the godly out of temptation ; therefore I have noth- 
ing to fear as long as I trust his goodness and do my 
duty; but O my backwardness to believe, my unwil 






ungness to bare my cross — O f shall such a sinful dc 
pendant worm like me expect to get to Heaven oc 
flowery beds of ease ? I cannot, I must not expect 
it ; sure, I must fight, if I would reign with Christ in 
glory. Increase my courage, Lord, and though 
through deep waters I am called to go, the floods 
cannot me overflow while I trust in thee. O, help 
me to struggle on my way to heaven, and when the 
tide of adversity rages against my little bark, help 
me to endure with patience 5 and when wafted by the 
gales of prosperity, let a sense of thy loving kind 
ness impress my whole soul, that I may not forge:. 
*hee, O my merciful preserver. 

Abigail Spencer. 



June 30, 1825, 

Only to the praise of my dear Lor J and for a tesi 11 
tiiony of the truth of his word and promises do I write : 
for the tongue of an angel cannot tell his goodness, 01 
express his loving kindness ; when I arose this mom- 
ing, I reflected upon the goodness of my faithful pre- 
server, and my soul was made to praise him for hi s 
great mercy. I feel that I ought to be banished 
from his face and presence ; yet his fatherly hand 
hath preserved me until another Sabbath morning 
m health. During the morning I strove to pray the 
Lord to keep my mind on heavenly and divine 
things ; sometimes I rejoiced, at others I mourner 
because I did not feel that liberty 1 desired ; yet I 
felt the Lord was working on my soul, and I would 
submit my case to him. I then found peace in trust- 
ing in him, and doing my duty ; it has been profitable 
to my soul. This day I heard the encouraging ex- 
hortations of brother Osborn 5 it animated my soul 
in class meeting. I was attended with the presence 
of the Lord, which wafted my happy soul toward the 



14 

heavenly Jerusalem ; I can say with joy and glad- 
ness, my soul has often been fed in class meeting 
yes, blessed be the name of my God. A. S. 

July 4, 1825. 
This is the day on which America declared her In- 
dependence* What cause for gratitude and thanks 
giving from each heart. Beloved Columbia triumphs : 
once bound in chains of bloody tyranny, but now veil- 
ed in peace and harmony — with sword and patriotic 
zeal, did our ancestors move forward, and sacrificed 
their lives on the altar of freedom ; yea, our seaport 
towns and villages will ever bear the bloody impress 
of the price of Freedom. Under these existing facts, 
should we not be ungrateful children, if we were not 
mindful to maintain it, and pay our vows to Him. 
through whose mercy and gracious benediction, we 
enjoy the present era ? A. S. 



Winchester, [Birth Day,'] March 24, 1826. 
Twenty-five years of this short life are past, and 
while I consider I behold each year crow r ned with 
innumerable blessings from the hand of my Heaven- 
ly Father. Instead of reflecting back upon a life well 
spent in the service of God, I have much cause to 
mourn for my youthful follies ; eleven years since, 
the Lord converted my soul— blind unbelief, which 
is sure to err, has been my greatest besetment $ the 
vanities of the world, the pride of my heart, have 
been too much the operative principle of my con- 
duct. Had I devoted myself wholly to the cause of 
God, since I first espoused it, I could now reflect 
back with admiration, and a spirit of grateful praise 
to a kind Saviour, and attainments of divine knowl- 
edge which through my unfaithfulness I am not priv- 
ileged to realize ; but blessed be the Lord of my. sal- 
vation, his loving spirit has not left me* 



15 

1 trust, though I have so often grieved its tendev 
influence — and by yielding to its influences have 
sometimes enjoyed a heavenly breeze which wafted 
my soul onward towards the Canaan of everlasting 
rest — that I am sensible there is substantial en- 
joyment for the humble follower of Jesus. I am 
confident it is his blessed privilege to enjoy a growing 
prospect of heaven and holiness from day to day. — 
I find a vacancy within, which needs to be supplied 
by the sanctifying grace of God, nor can I expect to 
reach my high privilege, without fullness in a Sav 
iour's love, and it is a great presumption indeed, to 
think oi gaining heaven without holiness, and wh) 
do I neglect to give myself a willing subject of his 
grace to bear the cross after my crucified Lord, du- 
ring a short pilgrimage, which will soon close, and 
if faithful to the grace already given, will end in joy 
and triumph ? If twenty-five years more, or twice 
twenty-five, be added to my life, I humbly hope and 
pray, that resignation and quiet submission to the will 
of heaven may mark the tenor of my life. I hope it 
I am spared to realize another anniversary of my 
birth day, to enjoy it with higher hopes and brighter 
prospects of heaven and holiness than at present. 

Soon will the toilsome strife be o'er 

Of sublunary care, 
And life's dull vanities no more 

This anxious breast ensnare. 

Courage, my soul, on God rely, 

Deliverance soon will come ; 
A thousand ways has Providence 

To bring believers home. 

A. S. 



Winchester, April 10, 1826. 
How manifold are thy blessings unto me, O mj 
God ; unnumbered comforts crown my days, and 



16 

ueaceful visions oft associate with my evening slurii 
berg: The rapturous joys of the religion of Jesu? 
are in expressible, and unknown to a giddy world : 
and, O my Saviour, I want to feel a constant indwel- 
ling of thy love, for I am a pilgrim in a benighted 
vale, without the illumination of thy free grace.— 
How can I know the fulness of thy love, without 
rross-bearing and self-denial ? And how can I wisely 
act amidst my woldly associations and engagements, 
without the direct aid of thy wisdom ? May the 
Lord assist and prosper me in rny undertakings, and 
onder me more useful in future life. 

Oft as I lay me down to rest, 

O may the reconciling word 
Sweetly compose my weary breast. 

While on the bosom of my Lord 
I sink in blissful dreams away, 
In visions of eternal day. 

Rising to sing my Saviour's praise, 

Thee may I publish all day long, 
And let thy precious word of grace 

Flow from my heart and fill my tongue. 
Fill all my life with purest love, 
And join me to thy church above. 

Indeed, the theme of Jesus' love is interesting and 
sublime, and while thy blessings are multiplied to me, 
I desire to bear some humble part in praising and 
adoring thy goodness ; my views are too contracted 
*o realize the wide expandings of thy goodness, but 
while thy good spirit kindly draws me after thee, and 
sheds its enlivening rays in this poor heart of mine, 
how can I refrain from speaking good of the name o£ 
the Lord ? How can 1 refrain from sounding halle- 
luiah, to God and the Lamb, with the happy prospect 
oi praising him ever more ? O, my Saviour, ever 



17 

ke£p me near thy bleeding side, and more firmly es- 
tablish me in thy cause, by cleaving to thy sanctify- 
ing grace, from day to day. 

Abigail Spencer. 



May 6. 
To write of the precious love of Jesus, will, I trust 
be a means of improvement ; and while it diffuses its 
raptures through my soul, may I have some evidence 
of its smiling joy . My soul is drawn out in praise and 
thanksgiving to my heavenly Father for his conde- 
scending love to man. For some weeks past my 
mind has been in an interesting frame of praise ; my 
dear Lord has been the joy of my soul, and often I feel 
to exclaim, Oh, that men would praise the Lord ; and 
well may the Lord be praised for his goodness until it 
overspreads the wide creation, for his mercy endureth 
forever. O may I confidently trust in the Lord* and 
by his wisdom be directed through all the vicissitudes 
of this mortal life, and when I am summoned away 
from this earth with all its strong ties, O may I be re- 
signed; my breath be praise, my life recede with 
shouts of triumph, and with holy joy hail the blest 
Canaan of rest. My soul gladly anticipates the day ; 
yes, I will praise the Lord, for he is precious ; O may 
I love and serve him with my whole heart, and may 
every power be in conformity to his will. A. S. 



June 13, 1826. 
During the last two months I have been constrain- 
ed to render praise and adoration to the Lord of 
life and glory, for his loving kindness unto me, though 
1 have unfaithful been ; yet the precious love of Je- 
sus, the King- suffering Son of God, has often shed 
its smiling rays into my soul, and given me to antici- 
pate immortal joys. I am thankful ; I will praise 
the Lord for his goodness to me. To express the 

2* 



18 

iw<e of Jesus, I cannot, for it is boundless ; yea, my 
soul doth soar aloft to worlds of light and glory ; "l 
feel, I know I am but a worm of the dust, but heav- 
en smiles and my soul is happy ; yes, even now I am 
happy beyond expression — and my thirst is for more. 
O come, my Saviour, and fill me with thy sanctifying 
influence and love, which alone can make me happy 
here below, and prepare me for glory and immortal 
happiness beyond the grave. But, O God, only by 
thy grace shall I stand ; may I not grow weary in 
well doing, but grow in grace every day of my pilgri- 
mage journey through life. A. S. 



Barkhamsted, January *, 1827. 

Another anniversary of the New Year has arrived, 
and my life is yet prolonged, for what, Heaven only 
knows ; but his goodness I will adore, while I retrace 
his loving kindness and his tender care over me 
through the momentous events of the last year. 1 
feel that I can say I have enjoyed more of the life 
and spirit of religion, than in any year of my life be- 
fore, for which I hope to praise the Lord with my la- 
test breath. I am still favoured with sweet intima- 
tions of his love ; to* day I have again been favoured 
with the privilege of class meeting 5 I felt my soul 
animated to hear the new-born babes of Zion lisping 
forth ImmanuePs praise. My soul expands with love 
and praise to my heavenly Father. I enjoy a pros- 
pect of a brighter world of rest and glory, and glorj 
be to his holy name, for what he has graciously pre- 
pared for mortals. O may I live more faithful the 
few remaining moments or days of my life — and if 
my life closes with the present year, amen — may 
grace divine support me : may I go triumphant, and 
happy in Jesus' love. 

Abigail Goodrich. 



19 

Barkhamsled, March 1, 1&23, 
My Beloved Husband : 

In your absence, I have no associate ; and to re- 
lieve my mind of anxious fears of your success, 1 
unburthen my mind by writing. Last night I re- 
tired, and until about midnight I lay in deep and si- 
lent thought on the mutual union existing between 
us, which binds with stronger cords than earth can 
break, but when the dread foe, death, shall come, to 
rend the strong united tie, O, who can endure the 
stroke but he whose confidence is in God, and his 
strength in the Rock of ages. I rejoice that in your 
absence my Bible is my companion, and its author 
my associate. My mind roams over some retired 
vale, where I fancy to see you depressed with fatigue, 
or fallen by the hand of misfortune — and my dearest 
earthly friend, if our way be marked through a dark 
and thorny way, 1 hope we shall not repine, for our 
pilgrimage is short, and when this life of pain shall 
cease, may heaven grant that we may be prepared to 
inherit the saint's eternal rest. » 

Abigail Goodrich. 



Barkhamsted, June, 1868* 
RESIGNATION, 
The smiling boon of mortal's bliss, in adverse 
scenes here below — though fortune frown, the soul 
that trusts her God, leans securely on his arm of 
strength with enraptured soul, is wafted aloof from 
scenes of nature with the illustrious prospect of heav- 
enly day. To be resigned, rather than repine, is our 
greatest wisdom, our highest reason. For depend 
ant mortals to complain of the just allotments of su 
preme benevolence, how unkind, how ungrateful, 
and how indifferent to the obligations of our interest. 
Let sweet submission be our guest in life's changing 



20 

fbrnas, and fear nor distrust, ttill never disturb out 
course, but in the strength of a kind safeguard, gain 
the port of perennial day. 

[ The few following lines my dear companion 
wrote while I was gone on business to Plymouth and 
Waterbury, in this State. While I was gone I was 
violently taken with the cholera morbus ; it was how- 
ever, quelled in about four or five hours, by the force 
of medicine, after suffering much for so short a time ; 
my Abigail, however, did not know it until I returned, 
and after relating my illness unto her, she with all 
the tenderness and sympathy of a beloved, presented 
me with these lines, with tears in her eyes.] 

I walk, I talk, I am alone, 
My mind to Plymouth oft doth roam : 
I fancy there my husband dear, 
Pale and fatigued with many a care. 
But soon these cares of toil and strife 
Will close the suffering scenes of life ; 
May we to brighter realms then go, 
To share the blissful joys that flow. 

Abigail Goodrich. 



Winchester, August, 1828. 
Dear Mrs. Couch. 

Lest I should not see you at present, I will send 
you a line to remind you of a continued friendship, 
which I trust will not be forgotten, though of limited 
cultivation. I am informed that it is possible you 
will leave the village before we go to the west ; be 
that as it may, I hope you will be situated so as to 
spend the remainder of your days agreeably, and to 
the benefit of those around you. Should we be sta- 
tioned many miles from you, I think we never should 
forget each other's kindnesses, and also those of our 
friends and neighbors in Barkhamsted. My health 



ii 

is reasonably good ; a visit from you I expect. Please 
remember me to Miss Ransom, and all inquiring 
friends. A line from you without fail. 

Yours, &e. .. Abigail Goodrich* 
Mrs. Abigail Couch. 



Here let me say. though with feelings I cannot de- 
scribe, ends the writings' of my best earthly friend, 
my much beloved Abigail. Yes, that dear friend, 
in whose breast I could unbosom all my mind with 
perfect freedom and safety, one who could unite with 
me in the worship of God, and in all my joys and 
pity, my sorrows and pain — in a word, I can say she 
richly possessed all the endearing qualities which 
constitutes a worthy companion, a beloved daughter, 
an affectionate sister, an endearing friend and ac- 
quaintance. 

A brief account of the state of her mind from her 
sickness, which she refers to in her Diary January 
15, 1815, down to the close of her life. 

Not far from the time she experienced religion, 
she joined the Methodist Episcopal Church; and 
from that time lived a faithful member, until the day 
of her death. This fact you can learn from hei 
own pen ; she always conformed to the rules of the 
discipline of the church, and lived a life of self-de- 
nial and prayer. It was her meat and her drink to 
do her Saviour's will in all things, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord, and aspiring after true ho- 
liness, without which she never expected to enjoy 
the bliss of heaven. A free salvation and full re- 
demption in Jesus Christ was her firm belief; thai 
for this she strove, was abundantly evident to all 
who knew her christian character and worth. To 
meet he.r class was her delight ; there to bear testi- 



22 

inony in favor of her Saviour's religion^, which is 
manna to the humble soul. Yes, glory to God in tht 
highest, for this testimony of his saints on earth, and 
their triumph in death; 9 

I have the testimony of my dear companion, 
relative to her sufferings about 4 years ago, when 
she expected to have been released from her severe 
bodily pain and suffering by death ; this trial of her 
faith was about two years before our connection hy 
marriage ; she has often said to me since that time, 
the was ready and willing to go, and was often struck 
with wonder and surprise at her recovery, when she 
ao much expected to receive her discharge and go 
home to God. 

When we were about to take upon us the solemn 
obligations of holy matrimony, we were fully sensi- 
ble it was the most interesting connection that could 
exist inhuman life ; therefore we never had any rea- 
son at all to say we entered upon it thoughtlessly or 
indifferently. No, we felt our cause and interest to 
be united in one, and our joys and our sorrows. Un- 
der this view of the subject, we joined our hands and 
interests together as a pledge which the ordinance 
required, and one which we mutually felt, for often 
it was remarked, as sure as this tie was formed, ir 
must be broken. 

Here let me add a part of a letter which she ad 
dressed to me on this subject in answer to one I wrote, 
to confirm what I have stated. 

Winchester, April -22, 1826. 
Dear Sir, 

The sanguine ties of friendship often binds the 
hearts of mortals together by uniting self interest, 
and self interest to increase as well as corroborate a 
mutual union. While I have been reflecting upon a 
future connection between youlrself and me, I view- 



23 

ed it so congenial to the nature of religion, that it 
seems one proves an assistant to the other. I feel 
thereby to rely on divine wisdom for direction, with- 
out which 1 can never act aright. The similarity 
of our views relative to religion and religious prin- 
ciples, I trust, will tend to increase our exertions for 
usefulness, as well as render our attachment more 
strong, if we combine all the christian graces with 
our domestic happiness in future life. Whatever 
may be our future fortune, let the pure spirit of re- 
ligion be the ruling principle of our conduct, that 
we may be ever ready to bear testimony of the cause 
of Christ, and resignedly yield to the summons hea- 
ven shall send to call us thence. 

Abigail Spencer. 

We commenced house-keeping as soon as we were 
married, and commenced family worship on the first 
evening, by reading this passage of Scripture. " As 
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."— 
But here I have to say, with regret, my business and 
cares were such, that I too often neglected this im- 
portant duty. My business drove me so that I could 
not be regular at my meals, nor could 1 frequently 
get my affairs settled so as to retire to rest before 
twelve o'clock. Notwithstanding our deprivations, 
our Bible was our companion ; by the blessing at- 
tending the reading of the word of God, and medi- 
tating upon his goodness in our retired hours, we 
were enabled to defeat the tempter's snare. We of- 
ten conversed on death, and a separation between us. 
although it often caused the tear of affection to flow, 
yet we would mingle our tears together and say, al- 
though this examination is painful, yet it is profita- 
ble to bring death so near us ; for O, the prospect 
which heaves in view of a glorious immortality be- 
yond the grave, where parting shall never more dis 



24 

turb our peaceful breasts, we can then shout redeem^ 
inglove and triumphant grace to our Redeemer for 
ever and ever, who has washed us and redeemed us 
with his most precious blood. Whea thus elated aloof 
from this world and its vain honors, she would break 
forth in language to this effect — O, how can those 
companions who are connected for life, who are 
strangers to the religion of Jesus Christ, live month 
after month, and year after year, without making any 
preparation for death, or ever entering into conver- 
sation respecting a separation, which must take place 
between them in this worjd, and by this neglect, to 
be sentenced to everlasting wo, where the worm di- 
eth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

About a year before her death, she was brought 
near to the grave ; her mind was still calm and com- 
posed, cheerfully submitting to the will of her heav- 
enly Father in all things, willing to suffer affliction 
with the people of God, for she had respect unto the 
recompense of reward. With these feelings, she ap- 
proached to the closing scene of life. When about 
four weeks previous to her death, she was attacked 
with erysipeles or scrofulous humours, and attended 
with extreme pain, which set her into general con- 
vulsions and deprived her of her reason. One day 
the scene was very distressing and alarming — she 
however recovered, and was about again until a week 
before her death. Not far from this time, viewing 
her case dangerous, I reminded her of the many con- 
versations; we had formerly had on the subject of 
death, and a separation between us. I remarked, 
you have often said you have enjoyed your mind bet- 
ter these two last years that are past, than you ever 
did before ; do you still retain those views ? To 
which she replied, " Yes, I do ; and I can say my 
prospect grows brighter and brighter, though my af- 
fliction and distress is great. Yet 1 am willing to suf- 



25 

lev ai! my Master's will here below ; this world is of 
but little consequence to me ; it is all of a fading and 
transitory nature ; but blessed be God, I have treas- 
ure in Heaven, that will endure forever." I then ask- 
ed her what was the most painful for her to give up. 
She replied, " it is painful for me to go and leave my 
best friend." Giving me her hand, she again said, 
u O how can I leave you, my dear husband, to wan- 
der through this vale of tears alone ?" You must 
guess at our feelings, reader, for 1 am entirely una- 
ble to express them. After recovering from the 
deep excitement of feeling which this heart-rending 
subject occasioned, she said, " I see no terrors in the 
grave ; my passage looks peaceful and pleasant to 
me." I then spoke, and said the Lord has been 
good to us 5 he has raised us time and again from a 
bed of sickness to sound health; therefore, my be 
loved companion, let us still trust in his mercy and 
goodness. Thus at a midnight hour we examined 
the precious promises of God, and prayed and wept 
together, till at length she became composed, and 
calmly said to me again, "the time will come, sooner 
or later, when we must be parted ; therefore I feel 
resigned to the will of God." A few days after this^ 
I was sitting near her bed, she spoke to me, and said., 
" I am going." I stepped to the bed, and asked if 
she was faint. She replied, " No, I do not know as 
I shall go to-day, but I shall go soon ; your unwea- 
ried attention and kindness, and the skill of my phy- 
sicians cannot all save me. No, I shall go soon ; 
the rugged waves of J ordon do not present any ter- 
rors to me ; but my soul is peaceful and happy." A 
short time after this conversation, she enquired of 
me what I was going to do with the little infant Babe, 
I told her I should let Mrs. Holmes, one of our neigh- 
hours, take care of it a few days, when I think you 
will be able to take care of it. "I do not know but I 
3 



26 

shall, but I cannot realize it. I think it will be left 
on your hands, a motherless child. What will you 
do with it," she relplied again. I answered her, 1 
cannot realize that you are going to leave me ; I can 
not be reconciled to part with you. O, the agony of 
my feelings — who can endure it ? I wept aloud while 
she remained cairn and composed, and said, be faith- 
fill to God, a little while longer, and we shall meet 
where parting shall never more disturb our happy 
union. The day before her death, she inclined to 
be drowsy and stupid, her strength failing at the same 
time : it was necessary to wake her often, to prevent 
her from sleeping so long as to exhaust her : we wish- 
ed to give her all the support she could bear. She 
became more and more drowsy, and would often say. 
" how drowsy I am." She appeared to be entirely 
free from pain ; every time I awoke her, she fixed 
her eyes on me and smiled. Once, as I leaned over 
the bed, to give her some medicine, she raised her 
mortal feeble dying arm and pressed my face to hers, 
and embraced me with a joyful smile. She took her 
leave of me, which spake in language like this. "Dry 
up your tears ; weep not for me, for I am happy ; 
yes, my passage looks peaceful and pleasant to me. 
O, blessed hope ! O, joyful hour ! I hail thee ae* 
my deliverer from this world of sin and misery." — 
Soon after this, she lost her speech, but appeared to 
retain her reason until her last ; she gradually de- 
clined until five o'clock, P. M. on Saturday, Septem- 
ber 13, 1828, in the Twenty-Eighth year of her age. 
when she fell asleep in the arms of death, without a 
groan, with a glorious immortality in her view, leav- 
ing me an infant babe, five days old, the only hope 
which I had left me of its fond mother. My hopes 
were soon blasted ; in about three weeks 1 had to 
part with it, and resigned it up to God who gave it. 



27 



BEREAVED HUSBAND. 



A lonely stranger here I roam, 
From place to place I'm driven : 

My friend is gone and Pm in gloom. 

This earth is all a dreary tomb, 
I have no home but Heaven. 

Brother Daniel Coe, as a faithful minister of the 
gospel, called often to see us in our affliction, he be 
mg present, she requested him to sing this hymn. 

And let this feeble body fail. 

And let it faint or die 5 

My soul shall quit this mournful vale 

And soar to worlds on high ; 

Shall join the disembodied saints 

And find its long sought rest, 

That only bliss for which it pants 5 

In the Redeemer's breast. 

In hope of that immortal crown, 

I now the cross sustain, 

And gladly wander up and down 

And smile at toil and pain ; 

I suffer on my one score year, 

Till my deliverer comes, 

And wipe away his servant's tears 

And take his exile home. 

what hath Jesus bought for me 
Before my ravished eyes ! 
Rivers of life divine I see, 

And trees of paradise ! 

1 see a world of spirits bright 
Who taste the pleasures there ; 
They all are robed in spotless white 
And conquering palms they bear. 

O what are all my sufferings here 
If, Lord, thou count me meet 



28 

With that enraptuur'd host V appeal 

And worship at thy feet ! 

Give joy, or grief, give ease or pain, 

Take life or friends away, 

But let me find my friends again 

In that eternal day. 
Rev. Daniel Coe, delivered a funeral discourse, 
from Hebrews, 4th Chapter, 9th verse. 

" There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people • 
*>fGod." 



The parting Hymn. 
My dearest friends in bonds of love, 
Whose hearts in sweetest union prove. 
Your friendship's like the drawing band. 
Yet we must take the parting hand. 

Your company's sweet, your union's dear, 
Your words delightful to my ear ; 
But when I see that we must part, 
You draw like cords around my heart, 

O could I stay with friends so kind, 
flow it would cheer my drooping mind ; 
But duty makes me understand, 
That we must take the parting hand. 

But since it is God's holy will, 
We must be parted for a while ; 
In sweet submission all as one, 
We'll say our Father's will be done. 

How oft I've seen your flowing tears, 
And heard you tell your griefs and fears . 
Your hearts with love I've seen to flame, 
Which makes me hope we'll meet again* 

Ye mourning souls in sad surprise, 
We seek for mansions in the skies : 



29 



seek bis grace in all that land, 
Well no more take the parting hand. 

Dear christian friends both old and youn§ 

1 hope in Christ you'll still go on ; 
And if on earth we meet no more, 

may we meet on Canaan's shore. 

1 hope you'll all remember me, 
If you no more on earth I see ; 

An interest in your prayers I crave, 
That we may meet beyond the grave. 

O glorious day, O blessed hope, 
My heart leaps forward at the thought, 
When on that happy, happy land, 
We'll no more take the parting hand. 



A Hymn sung at the Grave* 

How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord, 
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word ; 
What more can he say than to you he has said. 
Who unto the Saviour for refuge have fled. 

In every condition, in sickness and health, 

In poverty's vale or abounding in wealth, 

At home or abroad, on the land, on the sea, 

As thy day may demand shall thy strength ever be 

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismay'd, 
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. 
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to 

stand, 
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand. 

When through the deep waters I call thee to go, 
The river of sorrow shall not overflow, 
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, 
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress* 

3* 



30 

When through firey trials thy path-way shall lie . 
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply, 
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design, 
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. 

Even down to old age all my people shall prove. 
My sovereign eternal unchangeable love ; 
And then when grey hairs shall their temples adorn, 
Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne. 

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose. 
I will not, I will not desert to his foes ; 
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake. 
I'll never, no never, no never forsake. 



HYMN. 

Vital spark of heav'nly flame ; 
Quit, O quit this mortal frame ; 
Trembling, hoping, ling'ring, flying. 
Oh, the pain, the bliss of dying! 
Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife. 
Let me languish into life. 

Hark, they whisper, angels say, 
Sister spirit, come away. 
What is this absorbs me quite? 
Steals my senses, shuts my sight, 
Drowns my spirits, draws my breath ? 
Tell me, my soul, can this be death ? 

The world recedes ; it disappears ! 
Heaven opens on mine eyes, my ears 

With sounds seraphic ring ; 
Lend, lend your wings ! I mount ! I fly 
O grave ! where is thy victory ? 

O death ! where is thy sting ? 

HYMN. 
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand. 
And cast a wishful eye, 



31 



To Canaan's fair and happy land, 
Where my possessions lie, 

O the transporting rapt'rous scene, 

That rises to my sight ! 
Sweet fields array'd in living green, '] 

And rivers of delight ! 

There gen'rous fruits that never fail. 

On trees immortal grow : 
There rocks, and hills, and brooks and vale 

With milk and honey flow. 

All o'er those wide extended plains. 

Shines one eternal day 5 
There God the Son forever reigns, 

And scatters night away. 

No chilling winds nor pois'nous breath. 

Can reach that healthful shore ; 
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 

Are felt and fear'd no more. 

When shall I reach that happy place, 

And be for ever blest ? 
When shall I see my Father's face, 

And in his bosom rest ? 

Fill'd with delight, my raptur'd soul. 

Would here no longer stay ! 
Though Jordan's waves around me roll. 

Fearless I'd launch away. 

There on those high and flow'ry plains, 

Our spirits ne'er shall tire ; 
But in perpetual joyful strains, 

Redeeming love admire. 

HYMN. 
I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, 
And when my voice is lost in death. 



32 

Praise shall employ my nobler powers. 
My days of praise shall ne'er be past, 
While life, and thought, and being last, 

Or immortality endures. 

Happy the man whose hopes rely 
On Israel's God ; he made the sky, 

And earth, and seas, with all their train ; 
His truth for ever stands secure ! 
He saves th' oppressed, he feeds the poor. 

And none shall find his promise vain. 

The Lord pours eyesight on the blind ; 
The Lord supports the fainting mind ; 

He sends the lab'ring conscience peace : 
He helps the stranger in distress, 
The widow and the fatherless, 

And grants the pris'ner sweet release 

I'll praise him while he lends me breath. 
And when my voice is lost in death, 

Praise shall employ my nobler powers. 
My days of praise shall ne'er be past, 
While life, and thought, and being last, 

Or immortality endures. 

There being a few blank pages left in this short work 
which were necessary to be speedily filled out, or re- 
main blank, I therefore have selected the following Ad* 
dress, under a full conviction of its merit, hoping all 
who have the privilege of reading it will listen to the in- 
struction it contains. 

AN ADDRESS 

At the close of a Young Ladies School, Simsbury t 
Conn, March 4th, 1829. 

My Dear Pupils : — The time has at length arrived, 
which must close our labours and pursuits together ; an 
event to which we all have probably looked with some 
regret, but which, in the order of Providence, becomes 



33 

necessary. Such is the destiny of all human combina- 
tions, and of all terrestrial things : they are only for a 
season ; then they dissolve and come to an end. 

In such a stale of change, there is but one consola- 
tion that can alleviate the pan^s we must often feel, and 
sustain us under the pressure of burdens inseparable 
from our lot — this is the consideration, that unerring 
wisdom controls these events ; that he has the best good 
of his creatures in view . that the painful circumstances 
of life are a necessary discipline for the soul ; and that 
they shall assuredly work for good to them that love 
God. 

In reviewing the Season we have passed together, we 
trace many particulars that call for gratitude to the Au- 
thor of every blessing. Independent of the success 
which has attended your literary pursuits, I trust that it 
may be said of a number, individually, in reference to this 
place, u that soul was born there " Events of this na- 
ture must ever endear this season to your memory 
and hearts. The friendships you have formed in conse- 
quence, will not be like those of the world, dependant 
on circumstances that every change is liable to destroy ; 
but, being founded on Christ, they will, I trust, remain 
inviolable through life, and finally be perfected in the 
regions of blessedness. 

But it is my duty on this occasion, to adapt some ad- 
vice to your particular situations. As material and in- 
tellectual beings, you have distinct interests to pursue ; 
and it is of importance to understand these interests, 
that you may give to each its due attention. The com 
mon fault is to bestow too much on the body, to the neg- 
lect of the soul ; and it is also possible, through a mis* 
taken conception of the duties of religion to neglect the 
body. We should not treat with indifference any thing 
necessary to our temporal comfort ; but should pursue 
and use such things in subordination to the interests of 
the soul. 

The cultivation of your minds should be considered 
as a duty sacredly important ; such it appears to me, thai 
I doubt whether a person can grow in grace who neg* 



34 

lects the means of obtaining useful knowledge. With 
some of you, the seasons for attending school are near- 
ly gone ; but you are capable, by your own exertions, of 
making considerable advancement. I would urge you 
to pursue the studies to which you have attended the 
past season, and take up others in the order of their use- 
fulness. Have confidence in your own powers. Be 
Heving that you can understand and do a thing, will be 
a very successful step towards its accomplishment. Let 
your leisure moments be occupied by some useful read- 
ing ; thus you will gain much at little expense. 

But there are other points on which I must say some- 
thing, in view of which I can scarcely sustain my feel- 
ings, under a consciousness of my inability to present 
them before you in the light which their importance re- 
quires. I view you occupying a place in that depart- 
ment of life, which involves the happiness or misery oi 
multitudes of your fellow beings. Perhaps it is not too 
much to say, that the character and conduct of females, 
in the several relations of sister, daughter, wife, and 
mother; with other relations growing out of these, such 
as neighbor, teacher, adviser, member of social and re- 
ligious society, have a greater influence on the commu- 
nity, than everything else; and when I consider you as 
standing already in some of these relations, and as prob- 
able candidates for the others, my heart swells with so- 
licitude, that finds relief only in supplication to God, to 
direct and support you in every period of your life. 

You who have here made choice of religion, will 
probably find on a change of situation, considerable va- 
riety of feeling. You have yet scarcely had any expo- 
sure to temptation from the world, while you have min- 
gled your prayers and praises, and been strengthened 
by daily intercourse together. Now you must pursue 
your calling alone ; yet I hope not wholly alone, since 
I am happy to believe that most of you have pious friends 
to aid you. But though I hope much for you, I have al- 
so something to fear. You are yet unskilled in the 
Christian warfafe. You may meet with enemies when 
you least expect them ; and if off your guard, you will 



35 

become an easy prey. You will be in greater danger 
from flatteries than frowns : opposition is frequently the 
means of strengthening the soul, but flattery deceives 
and then destroys. If you are willing to be known as 
the decided friends of religion, you will succeed without 
much difficulty ; but it will be expected that your con- 
duct correspond with the declaration ; let it be evinced 
by the sweetness of your disposition, and the meekness 
and kindness of your conduct towards all around you. 
Ever be willing to take advice that is given for your 
good ; and beware of censuring any whose views and 
practice differ from your own ; should they in fact be 
wrong, remember the religion you profess requires you 
to forgive, to pity, and pray for them. You may have 
youthful associates, whose company it will be hard to re- 
linquish, and whose influence it will be difficult to with • 
stand ; but, though I would not have you yield to them 
in any sinful course, yet I would not have you treat 
them with neglect or indifference. To them, in a par- 
ticular manner, you owe the duty of endeavoring to per- 
suade them to go with you ; and if you cannot succeed, 
commend them to God with feelings of the tenderest 

Your safety and prosperity will principally depend on 
your faithfulness in secret prayer. Let no day pass with- 
out attending to this duty, and, if possible, secure time 
in the morning, as that will prepare you for the business 
3r trials of the day ; and to prayer add the reading of 
the Bible, Ask, that you may understand it, and have 
grace to follow its dictates. Thus you will grow in 
grace and in knowledge, and be blessings to yourselves, 
to your friends, and to the world. And here I would 
conclude in the fond hope of living to see, or at least 
to hear, that you answer the high anticipation of my wish- 
es ; but it may not be amiss, even now, to present be- 
fore you, as a warning, a character at whose sight I 
know your present feelings will revolt. This is the a- 
postate — she who, having solemnly renounced the world 
and its vanities, with every sinful desire, and professedly 
dedicated herself to God, and pledged herself to obey his 



36 

laws by the most sacred vows, but who afterwards be- 
comes vain in her imagination, light in her spirit, tri- 
fling in her pursuits, courting the praises which once she 
despised, feeding on the flatteries that once she abhor- 
red, conformed to the world in its pleasures and practi- 
ces — the reproach of the foolish, the scorn of the vicious, 
the contempt of the intelligent,the grief of the Christian, 
the burden of the church, the murderer of Christ, the 
unquestionable heiress of the miseries of hell ! 

To you who have been longer in the path of piety, I 
will say, add to every Christian grace, sacrifice to the 
calls of duty whatever may be required, and your light 
shall increase to the perfect day. 

And are there any who have composed this school that 
have not resolved to give themselves to Christ ? What 
shall I say to such ? I weep to think there should be 
one name not enrolled in the book of life. I cannot but 
believe that every one has felt, in some degree, the spir- 
it of conviction, and that some purposes have been form- 
ed to seek the Lord. I hope you will continue to think 
on these things, and though I cannot suppose that so 
favourable an opportunity will ever again present for you 
to embrace religion, yet while it is a day of grace, you 
may seek in expectation of finding. 

In taking my leave, I must assure you I have had unu- 
sual satisfaction in my employment with you, and shall 
bear you in affectionate remembrance. And when I shall 
stand before the Judge of all, may I find forgiveness for 
every error inculcated, for every duty neglected. May 
I recognise you all among the congregation of the bless- 
ed, and there may we unite in triumphant hosannas to 
God and the Lamb, for ever and ever. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



022 012 437 A 





